Fame & Fortune: Monty Panesar became England's first Sikh Test
player in 2006 – but he previously worked as a double-glazing salesman

In 2006, spin bowler Monty Panesar became the first Sikh cricketer to play for England and a crowd favourite overnight. Axed by Sussex this summer – over a controversial night out in Brighton – Monty started afresh by signing with Essex and quickly won a recall to England's Ashes Test squad now touring Australia.

Can you remember your first job and how much your pay packet was?

I was a door-to-door salesman for Anglia Windows, which was hard work. I was 16 and I didn't make much, just £5 for anyone interested in a consultation. I needed pocket money so I stuck it out for a couple of months thinking, "I won't do this for long."

How did your childhood influence your work ethic and attitude to money?

My parents were hard workers, big time. When I was young they'd say: "If you want to become a cricketer, first of all get good grades, then you can train." That was always an incentive so I got my head down because I loved cricket so much. My parents wanted to teach us the value of money and that things don't come easy. I'm currently studying for my MBA alongside my cricket and fitness work, which I take in my stride, but then I've multi-tasked since childhood; from school, home, cricket training followed by temple in the evening.

My parents came to England in the Seventies. Back then there were pockets of Sikh communities and everyone used to go to the temple to forge a sense of identity. My parents always helped me to get the best of both worlds. Dad used to drive me to matches and, knowing I loved Pizza Hut, whenever I played well he treated me to a pizza. When I got my first "fifer" [five wickets] for England, he texted me, "I've just ordered your pizza!"

How did you support yourself when your cricket career was still taking off?

When I finished school aged 17, I moved away from Anglia Windows and landed a summer contract of £2,000 with Northants. Thankfully, with God's blessings, I've never struggled to make ends meet. But when I was young I always had the strength of being comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. If my form dropped others may not accept it or have emotional problems, but I can keep absorbing life like a sponge. At Northants the coaches, Nick Cook and Bob Carter, said: "Look, we can see you playing for England." I'd never even played a first team game but their belief made me think I could go all the way.

You were the first Sikh to represent England in Test cricket in 2006. How did you deal with the attention?

It was overwhelming. A lot of people tell me that for the Sikh people of this country it was an enormous achievement. They finally felt a breakthrough that one of the top sports in England now had Sikh representation and that I was being seen globally. In India, the equivalent would be a Christian British child playing for India, which would be huge.

To be honest, the attention only started to sink in over the last few years, as I didn't realise the significance. Wherever I go people say: "Monty, keep your head up mate, we love you playing for England and we want you back in the side." I find there is a lot of affection and love. People are so drawn in and it's very humbling.

When did the enormity of the spotlight sink in and are you comfortable being a role model?

I didn't see it that way until I saw the transition in sport where kids started to wear a patka [bandanna]. Normally we comb our hair and make a roll, but if I tied a ponytail and wore a bandanna I could slip my helmet over it or go swimming without worrying about my hair. Suddenly I saw Sikh kids in sport and in India start to copy it – it was a pinch-me moment.

You're a crowd favourite, with many fans wearing patkas and fake beards. Was that a help or hindrance in landing sponsorship deals?

I didn't see it in that respect. When I got my first contract with Northants, I turned it down because in my naivety I thought it would stop me from playing for England. I was young and all I dreamed of was England. I think that people connect with me because they see that I'm a working-class kid who works hard and when I'm playing for England they see me out there, totally enjoying the game and giving my all.

You played in the Ashes in 2009. How dramatically did your life change?

It was brilliant. I loved it and really enjoyed living my childhood dream. That's the one dream that every child cricketer wants to achieve – Test matches – and that's why we train hours and hours to reach that point. It was an overwhelming experience where I thought, "I can't believe I'm involved in this."

Are you a spender or a saver?

I'm a spender. My biggest extravagance was probably buying a Jacob watch for £6,000, which I wear for special occasions or evening functions. I've always enjoyed wearing a decent watch, but because I'm a fitness fanatic you'll usually find me wearing my Polar watch with its heart-rate monitor.

I hope to launch Monty's Fitness Challenge across the country, where we aim to get people fit, but cricket remains my primary objective at the moment.

What have been your best and worst financial moves?

My best move was to switch from fast bowling to spin. My worst is when I bought a Hyundai Accent in my uni days, which cost me three grand all done up, nice wheels with good music. But after just three months I was looking at getting things fixed and faced a massive bill.

Would you be happy following in the footsteps of Darren Gough, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan on Strictly Come Dancing if the fee was right?

At the moment, my first objective is cricket, though I do like salsa dancing. I'm not saying I'll go on the show, but if there's an interest then maybe later down the years. I'm a big fan of salsa and when I finish training I go to a few classes to take me away from the game. I love shaking my hips!

Are you a good tipper?

I'm a big tipper and if I'm going for coffee with a few mates and the service is great, I leave a generous tip. Then I tend to find that when I come back they're much more friendly.

Is fame all it's cracked up to be? Have you experienced a dark side to it?

I did when I was out of the England team and not doing well in 2009. I lost my central contract with England, my agency ditched me, then Northants said they couldn't keep me. Suddenly I lost everything and thought, "What do I do now?" Obviously Sussex came in and rebuilt my career and I'm now starting afresh with Essex and my new management team. I've got back in the England team too, and hopefully now I can press on, keep moving forward and help England win the Ashes!

What's the biggest lesson you've learnt about money?

Only spend it on something you need and buy clothes you'll really wear. Share your wealth with your loved ones and friends because we came in this world with nothing and when we die we leave with nothing. I know friends who aren't as lucky as me, so I want to give them experiences they may not be able to afford and I feel great about that.

What advice would you give to young cricketers about managing their finances?

Don't get too carried away being a professional cricketer. It sounds luxurious to say you're a sportsman but cricket is like a nine-to-five job in some ways where you should say, "Right, what money do I need for food?" Or "What are my other expenses?"

Then use what is left over to invest in your career, such as quality coaching or mentoring to turn you into a better cricketer and a better person.

Does money make you happy?

To a certain point you do need money to make you happy but you need good people around you to make you really happy.

Do you donate to charity?

I work with Keech Hospice Care for adults and children with disability. I help raise money to give them happy life experiences.

We started by developing five pence piggy banks and hoped to raise £10,000 but were overwhelmed when we raised £150,000. It's nice to be involved with a local charity, as Luton is my home town.